An enterprising and motorbike-mad vicar from Midhurst is embarking on an epic pilgrimage at the end of this month to raise much-needed funds for the Sussex Historic Churches Trust. The Revd Marcus Collie, vicar of Midhurst and Rector of All Hallows, Woolbeding, plans to pray in 100 churches across the Diocese of Chichester – traversing right from one end of Sussex to the other on the back of his newly-acquired Suzuki V-Strom. Marcus’s five-day pilgrimage gets underway on August 24th. He’s starting off at the 12th-century parish church of St Mary’s in the centre of Rye and will end – 100 churches and five days later - at Chichester Cathedral. The vicar is undertaking the pilgrimage under the umbrella of the Ride + Stride event which takes place every year to raise funds for local churches as well as the Sussex Historic Churches Trust. The official Ride + Stride Day this year is September 12. Marcus, who became vicar of Midhurst and Rector of All Hallows, Woolbeding in September 2023, is also a governor and chaplain at Midhurst Primary School. Many of the 100 churches he will be praying at have received Trust grants in the past to help with vital repairs and restoration. Marcus said: “I’ve always been a huge supporter of Ride and Stride and have taken part every year since I became the incumbent for the joint benefice three years ago. When I broke my foot in 2024, I couldn’t participate as a cyclist so I organised a “Ride and Hobble” instead. This involved leading a merry band of parishioners who use mobility aids on a “hobble” through Midhurst, finishing up with much-needed refreshments at the church!” Sussex Historic Churches Trust chairman Chris Whittick said: “This pilgrimage is a wonderful initiative and definitely one of the most unusual and ambitious Ride + Stride fundraising activities we have heard about. We are incredibly grateful that Marcus has chosen the Trust as the beneficiary of his endeavour.” How to make a donation To make a donation to Marcus's fundraiser, please click here or scan the QR code. Follow along You can follow Marcus’s progress on Midhurst Parish Church’s Instagram and Facebook accounts. The vicar is very much hoping that others will join him at various points during his pilgrimage. See the interactive Google map below which shows Marcus's epic route. Ride + Stride 2026 This year’s Ride + Stride takes place on September 12th. Ride + Stride plays a vital role in raising funds for places of worship and, nationally, raises more than £.15 million every year. In the last year, the Sussex Historic Churches Trust has awarded some £90,000 to help churches carry out essential repairs and restoration. Half the money raised during Ride + Stride goes to participants’ nominated place of worship while the other half goes to the Sussex Historic Churches Trust. For more information, see the Trust’s Ride + Stride page where you'll find lots of information for churches and would-be participants on how to take part.

A record-breaking £24,000 grant will help fund an ambitious programme of repairs and restoration at the 12th-century Church of St Mary in the village of Binsted, near Arundel in West Sussex. The grant, awarded by the Sussex Historic Churches Trust, is the largest single grant ever made by the Trust to a parish church and reflects the scale and urgency of the work facing the Grade II* listed building. Among the most pressing concerns are repairs to the church’s 13th-century porch, which has suffered both severe weather damage and vandalism, together with restoration work to a leaking west window. Churchwarden Carolyn Coles said: “The most pressing problem is the repair of the porch. Following the vandalism episode, both the glazing and the oak surround need to be tackled at the same time. Additional weathered areas also need to be repaired with suitable oak. The oak has been exposed to extreme weather conditions over many years.” The west window also requires extensive repointing and plaster repairs, both internally and externally, after prolonged water ingress into the church. The church’s consulting architect has additionally recommended replacing the polycarbonate coverings that have protected the windows for more than 40 years with metal grilles. Carolyn added: “Once this work is underway, the interior walls will also require redecoration. Sadly, over the years all sorts of substances have been used, so the plasterwork needs repairing before several coats of limewash can be applied.” St Mary’s is also home to several rare fragments of Romanesque font and medieval wall paintings dating back almost 900 years. These include depictions of a crowned female figure and a three-branched tree. Protection of the paintings during the restoration programme is a key priority. Carolyn, who is overseeing the project alongside two other members of the Parochial Church Council, said: “The jubilation experienced by us all is immense. It is difficult to find adequate words to convey our feelings of gratitude and amazement when we received the generous offer of assistance from Sussex Historic Churches Trust.” The Sussex Historic Churches Trust awarded a total of £40,000 in grants during its latest funding round in April, including £5,000 to St Catherine of Siena Church to help repair a leaking roof and £4,000 to St Mark’s church at Hadlow Down for repairs to exterior stonework. Across Sussex, grants from the Trust play a vital role in helping churches carry out essential conservation and repair work. In many cases, the funding proves to be the crucial factor in allowing restoration projects to proceed. To read more about the April grants and earlier church success stories, please visit the Trust’s news page. The next Trust meeting will take place on 8 September. Please note that applications must be submitted at least two weeks before the meeting date. Start planning your Ride + Stride fundraiser Churches across Sussex are already preparing for the Trust’s most important annual fundraising event. Ride + Stride, which takes place on Saturday 12 September, plays a crucial role in enabling the Trust to continue supporting historic churches throughout the county. Every church is encouraged to take part, and getting involved is simple. Funds raised through Ride + Stride are shared equally between the participating church and the Trust. If you are planning something special for this year’s event, do let us know via our Contact Page. How to amend your Ride + Stride details All churches are encouraged to check and update their Ride + Stride opening information and visitor facilities on the Ride + Stride information page, where full instructions for editing details can be found. Together, through practical support and shared enthusiasm, we can help ensure Sussex’s historic churches continue to thrive for generations to come.

The Sussex Historic Churches Trust (SHCT) has awarded £40,000 in its latest round of grants in April including a record-breaking £24,000 to the 12th-century Grade II* listed St Mary’s in Binsted. Grants from the Trust play an invaluable role, countywide, in helping churches carry out essential care and conservation of their historic buildings and the grants are often the ‘make or break’ factor in enabling church repairs to go ahead. To read more about earlier church ‘success stories’, please visit our news page. The latest round of grants reflects both the scale of need and the deep commitment of local communities to maintaining these precious places of worship and heritage. The next Trust meeting is on September 8 – please note the application deadline is two weeks before each meeting. For full details, visit our Grants page. The £24,000 grant to St Mary’s is the largest grant SHCT has ever made to a parish church and is set to make a real difference to the parish’s ambitious programme of works. The project includes replastering and redecorating the church interior, repairing glass windows and timber in the porch, and repointing the external walls. Together, these works will help secure the building’s future and enhance its welcome for all who visit. St Mary’s also holds tiny fragments of medieval wall paintings - a quiet reminder of the long story of worship and community life held within its walls. While not part of this particular project, they offer a glimpse into the rich heritage that efforts like this help to preserve. Other grants awarded in the April awards round were Chichester Cathedral (£2,000), St Catherine of Siena, Cocking (£5,000), St Mark, Hadlow Down (£4,000), St Augustine, Scaynes Hill (£3,000) and Holy Innocents, Southwater (£2,000). Each of these grants represents an invaluable partnership between SHCT and local churches, enabling vital repairs and improvements that might otherwise be out of reach. Ride + Stride fundraiser! Looking ahead, parishes are warmly encouraged to support the Trust’s most important fundraising event of the year: Ride + Stride, which takes place on Saturday, 12 September. This much-loved event plays a crucial role in making grants like these possible. All churches can take part, and it’s easy to get involved. All funds raised during Ride + Stride are split equally between the church and the Trust. Offering a warm welcome to participants (and possibly refreshments!) is a real bonus but, if it’s not possible for the church to be manned, then simply ensuring that the doors are open and providing sign-in sheets for sponsored cyclists and walkers makes a real contribution. Many churches choose to combine the day with other activities, creating a special occasion that draws in visitors and strengthens community connections. Some parishes even organise their own Ride + Stride routes, raising funds both for SHCT and for their own church. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our church buildings, encourage exploration, and share in a county-wide effort to care for them. If you’re planning something special for this year’s Ride + Stride, do let us know via our Contact Page! How to amend your Ride + Stride details All churches are encouraged to check their Ride + Stride availability and services on this page - www.sussexhistoricchurchestrust.org.uk/ride-stride/ride-stride-info-for-churches - where you will find full instructions for how to edit details. Together, through practical support and shared enthusiasm, we can ensure that Sussex’s churches continue to thrive for generations to come.

Click here for other areas Arundel & Bognor Chichester Midhurst Petworth Westbourne Brighton Cuckfield Crawley & East Grinstead Horsham Hove Hurst & Burgess Hill Storrington Worthing Battle & Bexhill Dallington Eastbourne Hastings Lewes Rotherfield Rye Seaford Uckfield Click here for google map or scroll to bottom of page Apuldram St Mary Open/closed status: This church is open Church Lane/Appledram Lane South PO20 7EF http://www.apuldramchurch.co.uk Birdham St James Open/closed status: This church is open Church Lane PO20 7HG https://harbourchurches.org/worship-at-harbour-churches/worship-at-birdham-st-james/ Boxgrove St Mary and St Blaise Open/closed status: This church is open but not manned Church Lane PO18 0EE http://www.boxgrovepriory.co.uk Chichester-NE Guildhall Open/closed status: This church is closed Priory Park, Priory Road PO19 1NS http://www.chichester.gov.uk/museum Chichester-NE St Bartholomew Hospital Chapel Open/closed status: Closed Broyle Road PO19 6AA Chichester-NE St Martin's Hall Open/closed status: Status unknown St Martin's Square PO19 1NR Chichester-NE St Pancras Open/closed status: Open and manned Eastgate Square PO19 1JQ Manned until 3pm , pls come to rear door. http://www.stpancraschichester.org.uk/ Chichester-NE Bishop Otter Chapel Open/closed status: Status unknown Bishop Otter Campus, Uni, of Chichester, College Lane PO19 6PE Chichester-NE St Martins Gardens Open/closed status: This church is open but not manned St Martin's Street PO19 1NR http://www.chichestercity.gov.uk Chichester-NE St Michael Open/closed status: This church is closed Summersdale Road PO19 6PN Chichester-NE Swanfield Chapel Open/closed status: This church is closed Swanfield Drive PO19 6TD http://www.swanfieldchapel.org.uk/ Chichester-NE St Andrew Oxmarket Open/closed status: This church is open Arts Centre, off East Street PO19 1YH http://www.oxmarket.com/ Chichester-NE St Mary's Hospital Open/closed status: This church is open but not manned St Martin's Square PO19 1NR We are open between 9am and 5pm, refreshments will be available between 10am and 4pm. http://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/dyn/pages/about-us/st-marys/ Chichester-NE Friends Meeting House Open/closed status: Open and manned Priory Road PO19 1NX http://www.chichesterquakers.org.uk Chichester-NE Graylingwell Chapel Open/closed status: This church is open Blomfield Drive PO19 6YS The Cafe at Graylingwell Chapel will be open from 9am to 4pm. A volunteer will be available to sign you in and out from 10am to 12noon. http://graylingwellchapel.com/ Chichester-NE St Olave Open/closed status: This church is open North Street PO19 1LQ Manned from 9.30 until 17.00 http://www.stolavchristianbookshop.org/ Chichester-NW Chichester Baptist Church Open/closed status: Status unknown 124 Sherborne Road PO19 3AW http://www.chichesterbaptist.org.uk Chichester-NW Providence Chapel Open/closed status: This church is closed Chapel Street PO19 1BU http://www.providencechapelchichester.com/ Chichester-NW Chichester Family Church Open/closed status: Status unknown 21 Orchard Street PO19 1DD http://www.chichesterfamilychurch.com/ Chichester-NW The Duke & Rye Open/closed status: This church is closed West Street PO19 1QU Chichester-NW St Paul Open/closed status: This church is open Churchside, Northgate PO19 6FT https://www.stpaulschichester.org/welcome.htm Chichester-NW St Wilfrid Open/closed status: This church is open Sherborne Road PO19 3AG http://www.stwilfrids.org/ Chichester-Portfield All Saints Open/closed status: Status unknown Church Road PO19 7HN Chichester-Portfield Cemetery Open/closed status: Status unknown Church Road PO19 7HN Chichester-SE All Saints Open/closed status: This church is closed West Pallant PO19 1TD http://www.cpnim.co.uk Chichester-SE Christ Church Open/closed status: Status unknown Old Market Avenue PO19 1SW http://www.christchurchchichester.com Chichester-SE St John the Evangelist Open/closed status: This church is open but not manned St John's Street PO19 1UX http://www.stjohnschapelchichester.co.uk Chichester-SE Eastgate Hall (Coral) Open/closed status: Status unknown Eastgate Square PO19 1JH Chichester-SE Jasmine House Open/closed status: This church is closed The Hornet PO19 7JG Chichester-SE St Richard Open/closed status: This church is open but not manned Cawley Road PO19 1XB http://www.strichardschichester.co.uk Chichester-SE Baffins Hall (Henry Adams) Open/closed status: This church is closed Baffins Lane PO19 1UA http://www.henryadamsfineart.co.uk/ Chichester-SW Grace Church Open/closed status: Status unknown Terminus Road PO19 8TX http://www.gracechurchchichester.org.uk/ Chichester-SW St Faith Open/closed status: This church is open but not manned Cathedral Green PO19 1FJ Chichester-SW Chantry Chapel Open/closed status: This church is closed Canon Lane PO19 1PX http://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk Chichester-SW Bishop's Chapel Open/closed status: This church is closed West Street PO19 1PY https://www.bishopspalacechichester.org/welcome.htm Chichester-SW Cathedral Open/closed status: This church is open West Street PO19 1PX Sign in sheet available at the Visitor Desk http://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk Chichester-Whyke St George Open/closed status: This church is open but not manned Cleveland Road PO19 7AD Signing in sheet will be readily available along with squash and biscuits http://www.whyke.info Chichester-Whyke Revelation Church Open/closed status: Status unknown Spur Road PO19 8PR http://www.revelation.org.uk/ Chichester-Whyke St Mary Open/closed status: Status unknown Whyke Road PO19 8HA Church Norton St Wilfrid Open/closed status: Status unknown Rectory Lane PO20 9DT Donnington St George Open/closed status: Open but not manned off B2201 Selsey Road PO20 7PN The church will open with 'help yourself' refreshments during the day as well as access to our very nice toilets https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/4871/ Earnley Earnley Church Open/closed status: Status unknown Clappers Lane PO20 7JL East Wittering United Reformed Church Open/closed status: Status unknown Oakfield Ave PO20 8BU East Wittering St Mary of the Assumption Open/closed status: Status unknown Church Farm Lane PO20 8PU East Wittering St Peter Open/closed status: Status unknown Church Road PO20 8PS http://www.one-1.co.uk/stpeters/ East Wittering St Anne Open/closed status: Open but not manned Church Road PO20 8PS https://stanneseastwittering.org.uk Fishbourne St Peter and St Mary Open/closed status: Open and manned Fishbourne Road West PO19 3XT Refreshments will be available http://www.fishbournechurch.org.uk/ Hunston St Leodegar Open/closed status: Closed Church Lane PO20 1AJ http://www.mundhamhunstonchurches.co.uk Lavant St Nicholas Open/closed status: This church is open but not manned Lavant Road PO18 0BW http://www.lavantchurches.gothere.uk.com/ Lavant St Mary Open/closed status: This church is open but not manned Pook Lane PO18 0AX http://www.lavantchurches.gothere.uk.com/ Merston St Giles Open/closed status: This church is open Marsh Lane PO20 1ED North Mundham St Stephen Open/closed status: This church is open Church Road PO20 1JU Refreshments and a toilet are available. http://www.mundhamhunstonchurches.co.uk Oving St Andrew Open/closed status: This church is open but not manned Church Lane PO20 2DG Selsey Methodist Church Open/closed status: Status unknown High Street PO20 0RD http://www.selseymethodistchurch.co.uk/ Selsey St Peter Open/closed status: This church is open but not manned High St PO20 0NA Manned with refreshments (sandwiches & juice) http://www.stpeters-selsey.org.uk/ Selsey Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Wilfrid Open/closed status: Status unknown Church Road PO20 0LS https://www.saintsofsussex.com/st-wilfrid.html Sidlesham Clayton Cantle Open/closed status: Status unknown Mill Lane Sidlesham St Mary Open/closed status: Open and manned Church Lane PO20 7RE Open. Refreshments provided & toilets in the adjacent Parish Rooms (accesible building). Follow our social media pages for updates https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/5137/ Tangmere St Andrew Open/closed status: This church is open Church Lane PO20 2HA http://standrewstangmere.co.uk/ West Itchenor St Nicholas Open/closed status: This church is open Itchenor Road PO20 7DA Refreshments & toilet facilities available West Wittering St Peter and St Paul Open/closed status: This church is open but not manned Pound Road PO20 8AJ Refreshments available. http://www.chichesterharbourchurches.org/ West Wittering Bethseda Methodist Church Open/closed status: This church is closed Chapel Lane Westhampnett St Peter Open/closed status: Open and manned Stane Street PO18 0NT A drink will be available to Riders and Striders https://www.stpeterswesthampnett.uk/ Chichester City and District map1

Ride + Stride: church details << Back Open. Refreshments provided & toilets in the adjacent Parish Rooms (accesible building). Follow our social media pages for updates St Mary Open and manned Church Lane Chichester City & District PO20 7RE https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/5137/ < Previous Next >

Ride + Stride: church details << Back Manned from 0900 until approx. 1400 St Saviour and St Peter Open and manned South Street Eastbourne BN21 4PA http://www.st-saviours.org/ < Previous Next >